He was born Feb. 17, 1926, in Epping, son of Elmer R. and Florence B. (Wedge) Downing. Raised in Epping and a longtime resident, he represented his town in World War II, serving the U.S. Army.

He was a salesman of Singer sewing machines, electrician at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, foreman for Seawood Construction Company and later owned and operated Epping Realty. Versatile in vocation, he operated a dairy farm, local restaurant, antique enterprise and retail greenhouse. He served a term as building inspector for the town of Epping.

He was a member of Exeter United Methodist Church and formerly an active member of Epping Community Church, serving as chairman of trustees. He chaired many public suppers and facilitated construction of a Christian education building.

Family members include a son, Clayton W. Downing Jr. of Fort Myers, Fla.; three daughters, Charlene Kinnard of Nottingham, Denise Downing of Concord and Jude Bascom of Fremont; 12 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Madeline S. (Hill) Downing; a daughter, Sandra Shute; and two brothers, Olin Downing and Hubert Downing.

SERVICES: A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Aug. 8 at Stockbridge Funeral Home, 141 Epping Road, Exeter, with his son-in-law, Rev. Stephen E. Bascom Sr., officiating. Internment will follow at Brooks Memorial Park, Eliot, Maine.

Advertise

Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted.
seacoastonline.com ~ 111 New Hampshire Ave., Portsmouth, NH 03801 ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service